Lionheart secure new funding to enhance inclusion in science

After completing the ‘Inclusion in Science’ course with the Association for Science Education (ASE) and STEM Learning earlier this year, Claire was invited to submit a £500 funding bid to support a school project that would strengthen inclusion in the subject.

Having worked with students at The Castle Rock School and The Pioneers’ Centre – our Alternative Provision School located in Coalville, Leicestershire – Claire proposed a plan to improve access for SEND, low ability and persistent/severely absent students by incorporating online resources and increasing the use of dual coding. This would be achieved through the development of Focus eLearning software with required practicals, and Widget for dual coding.

Not only was this bid approved, but Claire also received an additional sum of money which, alongside the original £500, will fund one year’s access to Focus eLearning and Widget. The money will also be used to support teacher development time, allowing them to build upon their existing knowledge and increase collective confidence when delivering the curriculum.

On the proposal, a representative from ASE said: “This is a commendable and ambitious application taking on the challenge of absenteeism.

“The plan is sensible and achievable. We are happy to fund this work and wish you well with this project.”

This important project will commence in the Autumn Term, when all science staff at Castle Rock will be given access to Focus eLearning; key staff members will also be given access to Widget.

Once the project has had time to embed and outcomes are evaluated, there is every chance these resources will be rolled out more widely, allowing more learners across our Trust to benefit.

At Lionheart, our aim is clear; to make sure that any child from any background can access academic and holistic opportunities that enable them to be successful in whatever they choose to do.

Encompassing our pupil-centred approach to education, this funding underscores our key aim and will go a long way in ensuring that some of our most vulnerable students are able to access enriching opportunities that will broaden their horizons and ignite a passion for a key core subject.